Ceremony in Samoa to thank for choice of head of state

Thousands of Samoan fine mats or Ie Samoa, tapa cloths as well as food and money were gifted during a traditional presentation known as o'o to local churches and members of parliament by Samoa's head of state, Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi, and his wife, Masiofo Filifilia Tamasese.

The ceremony was held at Tiafau malae in front of the parliament house where hundreds of members of the Tupua Tamasese's extended family took part.

A member of the head of state's family says the traditional presentation was to thank parliament for the election of one of the tamaaigas holder of a princely paramount matai title to the position of head of state.

The current head of state is the first to have been appointed by parliament.

A similar presentation for Members of Parliament was held in June this year after the death of the late head of state, Malietoa Tanumafili II.